NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Liberia National Police (LNP) Inspector General Gregory Coleman has relieved of his duties the Chief of Intelligence of Unit 106, Johnny Bolar Dean over allegations that he accepted a US$10,000 bribe in an attempt to influence the handling of two suspected drug traffickers detained at Police Headquarters.
By: Sampson W. Weah –sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
The decision comes as security authorities intensify investigations into what is being described as Liberia’s largest narcotics seizure in history, following the interception of approximately 3,971 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of US$317.68 million.
Announcing the action on Thursday, Inspector General Coleman said Dean was relieved of his duties with immediate effect and replaced by the Deputy Police Commissioner for Interpol Intelligence and Investigation.
He added that the former intelligence chief has been turned over to the Police Professional Standards Division for a full investigation into the allegations.
According to Coleman, the alleged bribery occurred while the two drug suspects were being held in police custody pending further investigation. He emphasized that the Liberia National Police would not tolerate corruption or any abuse of office by officers entrusted with enforcing the law.
“This serves as a warning to every officer, regardless of rank, that anyone who compromises a criminal investigation or tarnishes the integrity of the Liberia National Police will face the full force of the law,” Coleman declared.
Reaffirming the LNP’s commitment to accountability, Coleman said the police would pursue every lead without fear or favor, insisting that no individual would be protected because of their office or influence.
“The Liberia National Police will follow every piece of evidence wherever it leads. Our duty is to the Liberian people, and we remain committed to ensuring that every individual who violates the law is held accountable through due process,” he stated.
Inspector General Coleman further disclosed that Dean allegedly admitted to receiving the US$10,000. He said investigators from the Professional Standards Division have already launched a comprehensive inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged payment and whether any criminal offenses were committed.
Previous Controversies
The latest allegations are not the first to place Johnny Bolar Dean under public scrutiny. In 2016, he was among several police officers suspended and investigated over allegations of armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and abuse of office.
However, following an internal investigation, the Liberia National Police announced that Dean and the other officers had been exonerated and subsequently reinstated, citing insufficient evidence to support the accusations.
In recent years, Dean’s name has resurfaced during public debates on police accountability, with some critics questioning his continued advancement within the security sector despite previous allegations.
Unlike the earlier claims, the current allegations arise amid one of Liberia’s most significant anti-drug operations, further intensifying public scrutiny of the country’s law enforcement institutions and their commitment to fighting corruption.
The latest development follows repeated assurances from the Liberian government that no public official, regardless of rank or status, will be shielded from investigation or prosecution as authorities pursue those linked to drug trafficking and official corruption.
Authorities stress that Dean remains under investigation, and any determination of criminal liability will be made through Liberia’s judicial process in accordance with the law.
